Official Poly construction update thread **updated video page 103(2/17/15)**

[LoveMickeyMouse]

As of today they are draining the waterfall in the lobby........I have no words

So sad....

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

I have done the photo package at both the POLY and BC, and you should keep the POLY package! There are plenty of places to get pictures with flowers behind you, without even going to the beach (we always skip the beach shots, because my kids get too distracted with all that fun sand!). We have had pictures inside the GCH with waterfalls and flowers behind us, in front of the GCH at the small waterfall, actually in the waterfall in back of the GCH, and on the bridge over that same waterfall. Don't worry, your photographer will know all the best places!

This sounds wonderful!! How did you book a Disney photo package?

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

I have done the photo package at both the POLY and BC, and you should keep the POLY package! There are plenty of places to get pictures with flowers behind you, without even going to the beach (we always skip the beach shots, because my kids get too distracted with all that fun sand!). We have had pictures inside the GCH with waterfalls and flowers behind us, in front of the GCH at the small waterfall, actually in the waterfall in back of the GCH, and on the bridge over that same waterfall. Don't worry, your photographer will know all the best places!

this sounds wonderful!!! How did you book a Disney photo package? How long does the photographer spend with you?

 

[dansdad]

This sounds wonderful!! How did you book a Disney photo package?

http://www.disneyeventphotography.com/portraits/

 

[horse11]

We are getting pictures done when we are there in June. I would love to hear how yours went, and where you had pictures taken. I am sure they will be great! As a mom of 2 boys, I believe you can NEVER have enough pictures!!!!!

I would LOVE to share with you how our photo session goes. I am picky on the background and finding a good spot for our family pics since this will be the first one we have had in a few years. I will share the areas and any helpful hints I can. I will post as soon as we get back. What time do you have yours set up? A word to the wise try to choose morning or sunset to have your pics taken. the afternoon sun is a killer for photos. Enjoy getting ready for your up coming trip!

 

[PolyAddict]

Horse11-

When are your Poly pics? We are scheduled for May 18th. I have not been too worried about the background since there are so many pretty areas at the Poly. I'd love to hear of your experience!

Thanks

 

[LoveMickeyMouse]

I would LOVE to share with you how our photo session goes. I am picky on the background and finding a good spot for our family pics since this will be the first one we have had in a few years. I will share the areas and any helpful hints I can. I will post as soon as we get back. What time do you have yours set up? A word to the wise try to choose morning or sunset to have your pics taken. the afternoon sun is a killer for photos. Enjoy getting ready for your up coming trip!

We are having pictures taken at 8 a.m., and will then go over the the MK. There are lots of great places for them take pictures, so you will be very happy!

 

[mickeynut1]

As of today they are draining the waterfall in the lobby........I have no words

This makes me very sad .

 

[Mousemommy1]

Tikiman posted a picture, from today, that showed the waterfall flowing in full force and not drained.

 

[Jennygt]

Tikiman posted a picture, from today, that showed the waterfall flowing in full force and not drained.

I was just going to post this! Happy for you all going this week!

 

[horse11]

Horse11-

When are your Poly pics? We are scheduled for May 18th. I have not been too worried about the background since there are so many pretty areas at the Poly. I'd love to hear of your experience!

Thanks

Wow your date is so very close to ours! We have ours at 8:00am on May 14th. If I can figure how to post from my phone I will do so some time that day after our session. It sounds like you talk from experience. What areas do you suggest that will not be affected by the construction or draining of the water fall? Is there other waterfalls? I have seen pictures of the one inside but is the outside one also being drained? Are they connected? Any suggestions on other areas where there are beatuiful tropical flowers and foliage?

 

[horse11]

We are having pictures taken at 8 a.m., and will then go over the the MK. There are lots of great places for them take pictures, so you will be very happy!

That is exactly what we are doing except we have a ADR at Ohana's for the character breakfast at 9:00am and then we are off to MK. I just hope that is enough time between the photo shoot and the breakfast. We are doing the 20 minute session. 8am is a perfect time!

 

[PolyAddict]

Wow your date is so very close to ours! We have ours at 8:00am on May 14th. If I can figure how to post from my phone I will do so some time that day after our session. It sounds like you talk from experience. What areas do you suggest that will not be affected by the construction or draining of the water fall? Is there other waterfalls? I have seen pictures of the one inside but is the outside one also being drained? Are they connected? Any suggestions on other areas where there are beatuiful tropical flowers and foliage?

Honestly, i don't know i have stayed at the Poly a few times but not sure how construction will affect things. I looked at the sample pics on the disney site and im sure they can find some nice spots.

 

[horse11]

Honestly, i don't know i have stayed at the Poly a few times but not sure how construction will affect things. I looked at the sample pics on the disney site and im sure they can find some nice spots.

At this point we just have to wait and see. This works the best with our scedule. We could switch over to do Epcot on our Epcot day but it would cost an additional $200. Don't think that would be worth it. Besides my heart is with the hawaiian theme so I have my finger crossed for some good pics.

 

[polyfor4]

I guess everyone saw Tikiman's new update and the Disney Parks Blog announcement- there's concept art for the lobby and confirmation that Trader Sam's is coming to the Poly. I've been trying to keep an open mind and am staying at the Poly later this month but ugh that new lobby. Everything looks the same except the waterfall is gone and replaced with a tiny tiki waterfall. It's just concept art but I'm so underwhelmed. Still have faith in these projects but I'm not feeling the spirit of aloha ha ha

 

[maiapapaya]

I guess everyone saw Tikiman's new update and the Disney Parks Blog announcement- there's concept art for the lobby and confirmation that Trader Sam's is coming to the Poly. I've been trying to keep an open mind and am staying at the Poly later this month but ugh that new lobby. Everything looks the same except the waterfall is gone and replaced with a tiny tiki waterfall. It's just concept art but I'm so underwhelmed. Still have faith in these projects but I'm not feeling the spirit of aloha ha ha

I like the idea of a more open lobby (I've always found it kind of dark), but I agree the "tiny tiki" waterfall seems kind of underwhelming and almost cheesy. I hope the finished product is more impressive than the artwork!

 

[Surfinpiratee]

I don't mean to ask a question that has maybe been asked 745,246 other times, but i kinda skimmed this thread and didn't see anything...

When is the pool suppose to be back open?
We are planning a trip for sometime next spring, Feb or May? And will the lobby pretty much be done before then?

Thanks guys!

 

[LandonDunes]

Hi, I am a newbie and was hoping that some of you experts could lend a little advice...or, at least your thoughts.

My family of 5 (3 kids under 9yrs old) are going to WDW in Oct...this will be our second trip and we were pumped to go back to the Poly. Now I have switched to the GF because of the construction and the fact that the pool will be closed. Really bummed.

I am wondering if the GF will be too crowded with people coming over from the Poly to use the pool. Also, is it more stuffy than some of the other resorts! What are thoughts on the Contemporary? Is it better for kids? Better pool? More to do? We def want to be not he monorail.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!!!

 

[mariamouse]

Hi, I am a newbie and was hoping that some of you experts could lend a little advice...or, at least your thoughts.

My family of 5 (3 kids under 9yrs old) are going to WDW in Oct...this will be our second trip and we were pumped to go back to the Poly. Now I have switched to the GF because of the construction and the fact that the pool will be closed. Really bummed.

I am wondering if the GF will be too crowded with people coming over from the Poly to use the pool. Also, is it more stuffy than some of the other resorts! What are thoughts on the Contemporary? Is it better for kids? Better pool? More to do? We def want to be not he monorail.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!!!

Welcome to the DIS!

Personally, I would stick with the GF.

Given that October is a fairly quiet month in WDW (with the exception of F&W), I don't think you have to worry too much about the pool feeling crowded. As of yet, it hasn't really been an issue and the GF has a much larger courtyard pool in addition to the beach pool where most Poly guests would likely be inclined to go with kids. We actually prefer the courtyard pool anyway.

Although many people seem to think of the GF as "stuffy" because of the theme and its being the flagship resort, we have never found this to be the case. If anything, we sometimes feel like there are more kids running around the GF lobby than there are at many other deluxe resorts. We have never encountered any snobby behavior and do not find it different than any other resort in that way. We love sitting in the lobby in the evening listening to the pianist and band play and then walking outside through the beautiful grounds with the view of the castle in the distance.

As for the Contemporary vs. the GF, that just comes down to personal preference. The GF grounds are much nicer than those at the CR and it is also nice to have the ability to walk to the Poly via walkway if you want to spend time at that resort. The GF pools are definitely nicer than the CR pool, which lacks any landscaping and just looks sort of concrete. IMO, the only pluses to the CR over the GF are the slightly bigger rooms, quick monorail stop to the TTC, and the ability to walk to and from MK. If you spring for a tower room, those room views are also pretty impressive. The atrium area of the CR is also fun for kids since the monorail runs through it and Chef Mickey's is very popular, etc. As convenient as the CR location is, though, we keep finding ourselves returning to the Poly and GF because the resort grounds and ambiance just feel so much nicer and secluded. That being said, the CR has many fans and it really just comes down to which theme appeals to you most.

Have a great trip wherever you end up!

 

[dansdad]

When is the pool suppose to be back open?

March 2015.